Vic, I don’t get to watch many Packers games but I am listening to the game today. I love pounder-type running backs, and so whenever I see or hear Eddie Lacy get a carry, I squeal like a teenage girl that just met her favorite boy band. How good did Eddie Lacy look on his 44-yard TD run?

I think I heard the safety squeal.

Charlie from Fort Walton Beach, FL

Vic, it sounded like the stadium erupted when Lacy scored that touchdown. Lot of cheeseheads at the game? What does the stadium look like today?

I’d guess that Packers fans occupy about 40 percent of the crowd.

Evan from Eau Claire, WI

Do you have any information on Aaron’s calf? Seems like he strained it or something.

No information has been offered. He has complained in the past about tightness in his calves, but it’s possible there could be a more specific reason for the problem. It seemed to emerge following the sack on which Rodgers fumbled. He’s not his bouncy self today.

John from Saratoga Springs, NY

Vic, why do the Packers seem satisfied with their lack of production from their special teams during kick returns? How come we haven’t seen a change, especially when they have a guy perfectly built for returns in Jeff Janis?

This isn’t the preseason; this is December. This isn’t a time for finding out if a guy can play; this is for guys you know can play. Janis is a talent, but he’s a developing talent. I have no doubt the Packers will use him when they believe he’s ready to play and can help them.

Danny from Sun Prairie, WI

Well, the defense looks great.

That’s an understatement. Through the middle of the second quarter, the Packers had yet to allow a first down. In fact, the Bucs had yet to a gain a net yard.

Ryan from Kenosha, WI

I get the feeling the Packers are having mental struggles; same as the Buffalo game. Do you see this as a problem?

They’re out of sync. Is it Rodgers calf injury? Is it some kind of late-season malaise? I don’t know what it is, but I acknowledge this is not the same offense that was blowing teams out at midseason.

Kevin from Chicago, IL

I’ve got both the Packers and the Lions games on. Originally, I was thinking I wanted a Packers win and a Lions loss, but I want both to win to set up next week.

A Lions loss would be meaningless, as far as next week’s game goes. A Packers loss would be devastating if the Lions won, because it would clinch the division title for the Lions.

Randy from Springfield, IL

Vic, today I am only listening to the game. What is the feeling today? Is Tampa Bay really matching us, or are we beating ourselves?

The Packers aren’t on their game, but I get no sense Tampa could win this game. I hope I’m right and it stays that way.

Brett from Green Bay, WI

The Packers are using the pistol. What are the advantages to using this formation?

You can use your power running plays and play-action out of it.

Dan from Madison, WI

As we all knew, the Packers are seeing rush four, drop seven. They are chipping away at the defense with some smaller pass completions. Outside of Eddie Lacy having a big game, is this the other way to beat it?

You can’t double-cover everyone. Somebody needs to beat their man and Rodgers has to find that guy and get him the ball. Davante Adams’ performance against the Patriots is the example. Rush four, drop seven isn’t genius. It’s as basic as it gets. Run at it and force the linebackers to support, and then play-action against it and find the open guy down the field. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking someone has reinvented the game.

Randy from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Vic, this team is regressing late in the year, not getting better. The offense is underwhelming for the second straight week, after a lackluster second half vs. Atlanta. Missed field goals, blocked extra points, sacks, fumbles, dropped passes and more. Why should we believe this team can go anywhere in the playoffs?

Because we know what it can be when it’s playing its best football. This isn’t it.

Vic, we can’t let this be a game of defense. If we play that game, we will lose.

Sometimes you have to win that kind of game.

Andy from Clive, IA

Just run, baby. I see no reason to stop.

There are big splits in the Bills’ four-man front, and they’re mostly playing pass behind it. This is the Week 3 Lions game up front, but with more press coverage from the secondary.

David from College Station, TX

Vic, I am not able to watch the Packers game because of where I live, so what are the Bills doing to stop Aaron Rodgers?

Their pass-defense is playing press and sticking with their man.

Andrew from North Liberty, IA

Vic, at this point, our running backs are averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Why are we trying to throw all over the field?

Give them time to figure out what they can and can’t do. It’s early. Be patient.

Eric from Denver, CO

I’m seeing a lot of green and gold on TV. What percentage of Packers fans make up today’s crowd? Also, that train horn is terrible.

Ten percent? It’s good, but this is an overwhelming Bills crowd.

George from Scranton, PA

I’m paying attention to field position. That doesn’t happen often in Packers games. Are you enjoying this?

Very much.

Mark from Kingsford, MI

Why is Rodgers so far off on his passes?

There are a lot of bodies in that secondary. He threw behind Jordy Nelson on a crossing route because there was a defender closing from the front. The Bills have an impressive-looking secondary.

Michael from Fort Lewis, WA

Vic, I’m loving this game. It has a rivalry feeling to it.

The sky is a deeper shade of gray than my hair. This game is pure December.

Tyler from Plymouth, WI

Vic, my brother Kevin passed away yesterday at the age of 31. I just wanted to let you and the organization know how much he loved the Packers. He never missed a game and I’m happy to say I saw my first Packers game ever with him when they played the Panthers.

Vic, the first quarter was a game of field position that we ended up winning by scoring with a minute-and-a-half to go. Did you enjoy it?

I liked it. With each exchange of possession, the Packers gained ground until they were in position to attack. I don’t think that kind of football is the Packers’ identity, but sometimes you have to do what the circumstances force you to do. The defense is playing well.

Benjamin from Madison, WI

Vic, how much of the stadium is in green and gold?

Close to 50 percent.

Joey from Swansea, IL

Will Bridgewater get at least 130 passing yards today?

He started slowly; he was wild high and long. He’s starting to warm up.

Kelly from Walford, IA

Why punt the ball on fourth down with one yard to go? Why not just run the ball?

Why not just run the ball on third down?

Rolf from Copenhagen, Denmark

How much do you think the chip-on-the-shoulder contributes to a player’s development and demeanor? I think it’s more of a story for the media and the fans about a guy beating the people who didn’t believe in him.

How many guys with a chip on their shoulder got cut? It’s only a story when a guy makes it.

Rick from Appleton, WI

Vic, close game.

This one has a little bit of an AFC North street fight feel to it. Remember, Mike Zimmer is an AFC North guy.

James from Wausau, WI

My gut hasn’t stopped churning, yet. This should be a close game, like most figured.

Like most figured? Most were looking forward to the Patriots game.

Mike from San Antonio, TX

All right, who chortled?

I didn’t. I was most reserved and respectful.

Rob from Amston, CT

Vic, what is the story behind the Jaguars helmets? Were you still there when they went that way? Can you explain their thinking?

I was gone by then. I would’ve never allowed that to happen.

Don from Troy, MI

Why do all you talking heads tell us there’s no way the Packers lose vs. the crummy Vikings, when you know very well all NFL teams have the best players in the world? You’re so gullible.

Don’t blame this talking head. I was warning everybody all week. Let’s all calm down. This one has a long way to go.

Rob from Amston, CT

Vic, how hard is it to win games like this against the Vikes when it’s late in the season and they are out of the playoff picture and are thus willing to take more risks, such as going for it repeatedly on fourth down?

Blame it on being out of playoff contention?

Mike from Charlotte, NC

Tough game today. You were right about them Vikes. I could see it as I looked at them through the week. Are a lot Packers fans blasting your inbox because it isn’t 28-0?

The sea is angry, my friend.

Paul from Denver, CO

I remember last year a coach changed his mind and took a penalty once we were going to go for it on fourth down. Could Mike have changed his mind once the Vikings tried to go for it on the fourth-and-5?

I think it was the Cincinnati game. There was a time out at the time, I believe. Let’s revisit this question tomorrow when I’m back at the office and can open my rulebook.

First quarter was crazy! Julius Peppers on offense, onside kick early in the game. Why is McCarthy throwing so many tricks out there all at once?

I don’t know, but this game clearly caught the coach’s attention.

Linda from Sheldon, LA

Is there any time you could see Coach McCarthy putting Lacy, Starks and Kuhn in the backfield to really push the running game and confuse the opponents? Seems like it might be a different look.

Julius Peppers at tailback shifting to wide receiver isn’t different enough for you?

Bert from Albany, NY

Overall, I’m sure the Packers are pleased with the offense, but is there any concern for their lack of time of possession?

I’ve lost all sense of time of possession in this game. They’re playing as though the goal is to see which team can score the quickest. I can barely keep up with the pace.

Andy from Medford, WI

How much does the loss of T.J. Lang hurt the running game?

It has to hurt.

Michael from Toronto, Ontario

Love the onside kick call. McCarthy is the man.

It’s kind of 50-50 in my inbox.

Jordan from Madison, WI

What you saw there from Mike McCarthy is him trying to get cute. Slant to Peppers? Onside in the first quarter? Just let the players play.

That kind of football might be gone forever. I watched the Steelers score 51 points today. The Steelers? Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards and six touchdowns. The Steelers?

Spencer from Harbor City, CA

Talk about emptying the bag. I’m sure most people are upset with the call to bring Peppers into the offense, but I’m not. I loved it! As a writer, do you love when a wacky play like that is called and works?

Here’s what I don’t like about it: Nearly all of the questions in my inbox are about it. Was it really that exciting? It didn’t overly excite me.

Nick from Milford, DE

You were right. The Saints are better than what their record says, and it’s kind of got me worried.

I’m worried about my hearing. The noise in this building is deafening, and it’s not the crowd noise, it’s music being played over the speakers. This is the most painful working environment of my career.

Jon from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Vic, we denied Miami a single point after starting at our 16-yard line following a blocked punt. Should we carry Dom Capers out of the stadium on our shoulders?

Yeah, but hurry up before the Dolphins score.

Steven from Racine, WI
The passing game is working. Why stop now? Just terrible.

Awful! Pathetic! How dare they try to run the ball?

Jeff from Sun Prairie, WI
It sounds like there are a lot of Packers fans in Miami. What does it look like out there?

There are a lot of Packers fans here, but it’s not a takeover. I thought it would be a takeover.

Matt from New York, NY
I guess I have one question and one comment. Nick Perry’s bull rush looks pretty darn good. My question to you is have you noticed the absence of Datone Jones in the Packers play so far?

Yes, I have, and that’s because he’s inactive with an ankle injury.

Ben from Chicago, IL
Vic, do the Packers have handheld awnings? Just looking for something to worry about.

Yes, they are using handheld awnings. They did their homework. They’re prepared.

Rick from Appleton, WI
Do you see a team that is finding its identity with a developing run defense?

I see a defense that’s on the rise and deserving of respect and a pat on the back.

Anne from Auburndale, WI
It’s currently showing 53 degrees for the temp up here. From your vantage point, how are the players holding up to the heat/humidity there?

So far, so good, but the third quarter is the acid test. That’s when they come back out of the air-conditioning and realize they have to do it all over again.

Joe from Mankato, MN
Looks like Wake appears to be winning the matchup vs. Bulaga.

Cameron Wake is a fantastic pass rusher and run defender, which is why he’s coming from the defense’s left side. Bulaga won’t face a better player from that side this year.

Jerry from Wilmington, NC
Vic, how important will time of possession be for the rest of the game?

It’s not an issue now because Ryan Tannehill is playing poorly. He’s a hot and cold quarterback and today he’s cold. He threw behind Brian Hartline in the end zone and the pass Casey Hayward intercepted was a terrible decision by Tannehill. The second interception was even worse. It was into double coverage. The deep ball is supposed to go to Mike Wallace, not Hartline.

Cheryl from Marathon, WI
Vic, you always hear that getting the running game going opens up the passing game. Can’t it be said that the reverse is also true?

If you pass to run, you don’t sell play action.

Rob from Washington, DC
How important do you think the favorable time of possession will be for the Packers defense in the second half?

It can be huge in the fourth quarter. This team does what it needs to do. That’s the sign of a very good team.

Luke from Fitchburg, WI
Vic, are we going to learn a valuable lesson about how important time of possession is this week?

The first quarter was a lesson in it.

Morgan from Fort Collins, CO
Vic, can you please help me understand how the Packers’ run defense can be so suspect at times? I’m confused.

So am I. The holes in the line have been huge.

Dan from Verona, WI
I was never sold the Packers improved defense thus far. They have been up and down all season. This first half has been very disappointing as usual. Why can’t they stop the run?

Because they are getting blocked.

Danny from Concord, CA
The first offensive drive was just about all pass. Were the Bears inviting the pass with a single-high safety? Were these plays scripted or was this a case of taking what the defense gives you?

That first drive was almost certainly scripted. It happened so quickly I wasn’t able to take time to analyze what the Bears were doing. Since then, it appears the Bears are alternating single-high and double-high safeties. They’re trying to disguise their coverages.

Chad from Menasha, WI
Vic, that opening drive is what the no-huddle is supposed to be like, correct That was impressive.

Yeah, but you have to marry it with strong defense or the time of possession battle will be so lopsided you won’t have anything left in the tank in the fourth quarter.

Aaron from Raunds, UK
What scheme adjustment should have been made in order to allow Davon House to stay on his feet?

When the Bears go four and five-wide, you have no choice but to win the one-on-ones.

Ross from McFarland, WI
On the fourth-and-1 play, after the fumble is Cutler still considered a quarterback running with the ball, or a player who recovered a fumble?

I think he’s considered a quarterback until he’s paid minimum wage.

Tony from Santa Ana, CA
Vic, what’s your opinion of these calls the refs are calling?

The league is making a terrible mistake. The product is suffering. Vic to league: Stop, please.

Mike from Des Plaines, IL
Vic, we talk about establishing the run to build the passing attack, but it seems with Rodgers behind the center, it is the opposite. They must attack with the pass, and it creates holes for the run. Make them fear the pass, open gaps in the line and take the easy yards.

It’s working today, but TOP is the problem. You can’t keep putting a struggling defense back out on the field with limited rest and opportunity to resolve its problems.

Rocko from Racine, WI
This game will be won on a turnover. Neither defense can stop anything.

This is the shootout I expected last week.

Derek from Plymouth, MN
Vic, the tackling looks much better today so far. I’m not seeing a ton of grossly missed tackles. Am I seeing that correctly?

James from Freeport, IL
Does A.J. Hawk not fully strap his helmet on, because it always seems to come off at least one or two plays a game?

I don’t know. It happens a lot. Fans are troubled by it. It doesn’t bother me if it doesn’t bother him. It’s his head.

Bryan from Myrtle Beach, SC
Not a question, but that third-down completion by Rodgers to Nelson on the right sideline toward the end of the first quarter was a thing of beauty.

First, he had to have the mobility to scramble and buy time. Then he had to have the vision to see Nelson coming open late. Finally, Rodgers had to have the arm to throw a dart to Nelson while Rodgers was on the run. He is an amazing talent.

Toni from Dane, WI
So, do you think we will be the team with the ball at the end of the game?

You’re referring to my prediction the team with the ball last will win. I’ll stick with it.

Annie from Rose Lawn, WI
Is Starks in more now since the Lacy fumble or is that part of the game plan?

I think it was part of the game plan to get James Starks playing time, but I also think the Eddie Lacy fumble is playing into Starks’ playing time. Lacy is not in a groove. The concussion might be the cause, but we can’t know for sure.

Dave from Colorado Springs, CO
Vic, I asked this last week and I think it applies again. Another bad start for the Packers. When things happen that quickly in a game, does Coach McCarthy have to make adjustments immediately?

Not that quickly. You spend all week preparing and practicing a game plan; you don’t abandon it within the first few minutes of a game. Bad stuff happens. You have to be patient and trust your plan and your players.

Chad from Menasha, WI
Is your inbox about to explode about a Packers safety making an interception?

Seriously, 90 percent of the questions were about Ha Ha’s pick, until the safety. My inbox was a place of great celebration.

Todd from Knoxville, TN
Vic, that is why you have your best punt returner return punts, regardless of what else he does.

I agree. Randall Cobb’s 22-yard punt return was a thing of beauty in how he made the first guy miss and then set up his blocking until he hit the wall along the sideline. He’s too valuable returning punts for him not to do it.

Rebekah from Germantown, TN
The defense is looking pretty solid. How can offense improve in the second half?

The defense has been fantastic. They’ve kept the Packers in the game. If you’re looking for a positive, that’s it. If the Packers play defense like this all year, good things will result. The offense needs to find a rhythm. It’s trying a little of this and a little of that. It needs to find something that works and stick with it. Balance will come in time. Right now, just find a way to win.

Chenc from Calgary, Alberta
Vic, I’m all for aggressive play calling, however, I think that run at the 1-yard line after the interception was a little too aggressive. What are your thoughts?

Too aggressive or not aggressive enough? I’m not sure what you’re saying. What I can tell you is that somebody didn’t secure a gap. DeAndre Levy came late and unblocked. I saw Richard Rodgers bump into somebody. I have a feeling somebody miscounted a gap and didn’t slide over, or something to that effect.

Jeff from Sun Prairie, WI
Clay Matthews is playing like his hair is on fire. Are you surprised this is a defensive game so far?

Yes.

Paul from LaPorte, IN
Vic, after the House interception, why did they blow the play dead and not allow for a return?

I think he elected not to come out of the end zone; Calvin Johnson grabbed House and House gave himself up. He was ruled down at the 1-yard line because he touched down there before sliding into the end zone. Think of that play as forward progress in reverse.

Evan from Eau Claire, WI
I hate how it feels like the Packers got penalized for getting an interception.

Monica from Green Bay, WI
Vic, I am happy and enjoying watching. My ears have tuned out the noise and my eyes have tuned in poise and patience on both sides of the ball. What does it sound like from the press box? Ear plug worthy?

I’m behind glass, so the sound is muffled and of no consequence. I could sleep in here. I was in the open-air radio booth before the game, however, and I can tell you the sound was deafening, and the stadium was just beginning to fill up. CenturyLink Field is as advertised.

Tyler from Pierre, SD
How close was the muffed punt to being a penalty?

I think the Packers caught a break.

Joey from Chicago, IL
Well, Vic, the rookie center is looking good so far.

I don’t wanna curse him but, yeah, he appears to be handling the noise and the moment. We must remember Corey Linsley played a lot of big games in front of huge crowds while at Ohio State. Michigan’s and Penn State’s stadiums each seat well over a hundred thousand.

Fred from Bellevue, NE
Any reason Janis is inactive for tonight?

He didn’t fit into their plans. One day, he will.

Matt from Mayville, WI
Vic, I love the Pack, but that Seahawks touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter was pretty awesome.

It was the result of the Seahawks’ play-action game. Sam Shields appeared to bite on a big-time run fake by Russell Wilson. That’s their game. Establish the run and then fake the run and pass.

Joe from Bloomington, IN
Vic, did the Packers forget to game plan for Harvin or is the Seahawks’ offense just too tough to handle?

They’re the Super Bowl champs. I wasn’t expecting a shutout. Harvin is dynamic in space and the Seahawks are bound and determined to get the ball to him in space. You can game plan all you want, but Harvin has speed you can’t match.

James from Wausau, WI
Last team with the ball will win; you can count on it.

That’s a reasonable expectation.

Adam from Wausau, WI
Are the Packers too basic on offense?

No. This is the most multiple, varied, imaginative and dynamic offense I have ever covered, and this is my 43rd year covering pro football and four of the coaches I’ve covered have won a combined eight Super Bowls.

Candido from Tehuacan, Puebla
First game of the season. How are you feeling?

I’m feeling as though I’ve done this before. Seriously, I felt more tension for the game in Chicago last season.

Jordan from Columbia, MD
Vic, please tell my wife we must run to set up the pass. She keeps yelling to stop running it.

Tell your wife I agree with you.

Mark from Yucaipa, CA
So, Vic, did you hear us?

Yinze sound great.

Mary from Casper, WY
Do you see anything that tells you we may be able to stop the run in the second half?

No and that concerns me. I was worried about the Seahawks’ running game before the game began and I’m more worried about it now. They established it in the second quarter and it’s easy to see the field beginning to spread. The Packers need to either score often or score slowly.

The Packers’ No. 1 offense gave a clinic on how to play balanced-attack, high-tempo offense. It doesn’t have to be all pass to be fast.

Ryan from Wisconsin Dells, WI
Vic, it seems to me as if the defense is making a lot of open-field tackles and stopping the Rams almost at the first point of contact. Is this something that has been an emphasis during this camp?

Yeah, it probably is, but what I see is young speed. You can’t practice that. The Packers defense has gotten younger and faster. Sam Shields and Micah Hyde make the Packers’ secondary much faster than it was a few years ago.

Howard from Sarasota, FL
It doesn’t get much better than that.

What you saw in the first quarter is what this team can be. Be happy.

Morgan from Fort Collins, CO
Vic, I’m annoyed NFL Network is airing the game through the Rams Broadcasting Network. Are they doing it because it’s preseason and they don’t want to expend more resources?

Yes. This place is three-quarters empty. It’s the preseason. Be happy.

Jake from Franklin, WI
Really nothing to say besides that was a perfect start. I’m fine with resting the ones right now.

It’s time to see what the kids can do. The second half won’t be nearly as cleanly played as the first half was, but that’s the way it is in the preseason. Be happy.

Courtney from Butte, MT
Green Bay’s initial drive against a vaunted DL was phenomenal. Can’t stop the run, can’t stop the pass, can’t stop anything. I agree this team is better than any others in recent years. Let’s see the Green Bay defense do the same.

Be happy.

T.J. from Poplar, WI
So were all these Aaron Rodgers “pitches” fastballs? Good location?

He would’ve made Greg Maddux envious. Be happy.

Reiss from Virginia Beach, VA
Vic, you were right about our offense. Besides the penalty, they were close to unstoppable. What did you see from your view in the press box?

I saw the Colts of their Peyton Manning glory years.

Mark from La Crosse, WI
I know you want us to relax and enjoy the journey. Fine. I did. Last year was superb. But doing that is not mutually exclusive of constructive criticism. Today we started on the 14- and 7-yard lines. St. Louis started on its 30-yard line. Do the Packers understand field position is an important element of the game?

Yes, they do. They will continue to work to improve their field position and satisfy your need for perfection. What did Lombardi say? Be happy.

Dylan from Wilke Barre, PA
Vic, what positional group impressed you most?

Aside from the Aaron Rodgers group, I thought the secondary and linebackers were outstanding in coverage. Be happy.

C.J. from Edinboro, PA
If anybody is still worrying about the offense, they should be banned.

Randy from Lakewood Ranch, FL
In case this is for “Ask Vic Halftime,” this Packers pass defense continues to suck. This is unbelievable. Please tell me you think it will improve by the time the season starts.

You have a significant football-anxiety problem. I will provide counseling in weekday “Ask Vic,” if you’d like. Be happy, please.

Paulina from Milwaukee, WI
Our offense looks scary. Our defense still seems to be struggling against the long passes. Am I overreacting?

Yes, you are, and I’m banning you until Monday. I’ve banned fans younger than you. I didn’t want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.